What's different about working with open-source software versus software from a proprietary vendor?
When software is open-source, anyone can download, use it, and even sell related services without compensation to the software developers and other team members working on the software. This is why multiple vendors sell services related to Aspen Discovery. With Aspen, any vendor, consortium, library, or independent developer can also work with the Community to develop and add new features to the software.
With software from a proprietary vendor, what features are included and how the software is supported is entirely up to the vendor. If you don’t like a decision the vendor makes, you have to either live with it or not use the software.
Why is open-source software good for libraries?
Why is open-source software good for libraries?
Choice! With open-source software, you typically have a choice in who supports your library in using it, or you can even support it yourself. No individual vendor can decide that a product should be discontinued or “sunsetted” as proprietary vendors can for their software.
Open-source software also frequently has a community of like-minded folks who collaborate on building new features, and that is certainly true for Aspen Discovery. You can learn more about how our community works together at https://community.aspendiscovery.org/Community
Who creates new features for open-source software?
Who creates new features for open-source software?
Anyone who wants to! Because the code is open, anyone is welcome to review it and suggest changes.
Grove developers contribute the majority of code to Aspen Discovery, but community members and developers from other organizations also frequently contribute. You can see who is contributing to Aspen at any time by reviewing Aspen’s Release Notes.
Why is open-source software good for library technology professionals?
Why is open-source software good for library technology professionals?
Just like a good cataloger can transfer their skills from one library to another, or a good children’s librarian can work for more than one library, professionals who develop expertise in an open-source product can use their knowledge to work for anyone. It’s not uncommon for folks to do development for multiple organizations, and there are Aspen community members who develop for libraries and also do freelance Aspen development on the side. Because these professionals have their choice of places to work, Aspen libraries and their patrons benefit.
What's different about working with Grove?
Grove has the greatest depth of experience working with Aspen. Grove team members have been hosting and developing for Aspen and its predecessor discovery layers since 2009. Although simple and user-friendly for patrons and librarians, ensuring that Aspen is properly configured for your specific needs can sometimes be challenging. Grove understands all of Aspen’s complexities and is best equipped to configure Aspen for your needs today and develop your ideas into reality for tomorrow.
Grove also doesn’t differentiate between support questions and development ideas. When you bring an idea or challenge to Grove, we’ll work with you on solving the problem no matter what type of work is involved in getting to a solution.
Can I work with Grove if they're not my Aspen hosting and support vendor?
Yes! We regularly work with libraries and consortia that are not hosted by Grove. We love to collaborate with anyone on new developments, bug fixes, and even support questions.
What services does Grove offer?
What services does Grove offer?
Grove offers the full spectrum of services related to Aspen Discovery and Aspen LiDA. The Grove team has a collective 25+ years of experience in all areas of Aspen.
Hosting
Ensuring that Aspen is properly configured for your specific needs can sometimes be challenging. Troubleshooting server issues requires expertise with both server configurations and the Aspen codebase. Grove team members are the most experienced and best equipped to ensure that Aspen is up-to-date and performant.
Are you interested in hosting your own instance of Aspen? The Grove team can help with your set-up and implementation, and then you can decide whether or not you would like ongoing support.
Implementations
Grove team members have experience implementing partners of every type and size. From single-site libraries with one Aspen administrator to multi-type consortia with more than 100 member libraries, we know how to work with you to determine what best meets your needs and ensure that Aspen is set up for you, your staff, and your partners to succeed.
Support
Grove offers monthly, quarterly, and annual support packages that can be used for whatever best meets a Grove partner’s needs and goals. Common uses for support hours include answering questions on complex Aspen configuration, troubleshooting, bug fixes, custom development, and meeting with Grove team members.
Libraries can also donate unused hours to the community to support joint development projects.
Custom Development
Grove has extensive experience developing for Aspen Discovery and LiDA, and its developers have contributed the vast majority of the current codebase. Our lead developer, Mark Noble, also reviews all code before it is accepted into Aspen.
Aspen has always been about achieving each library’s vision for providing service to their community. To accomplish this, Aspen is extremely flexible and offers libraries a multitude of integration options. Aspen currently integrates with seven different ILSs and multiple eContent platforms, event platforms, websites, archives, e-commerce solutions, and more.
The folks who design and work on Aspen keep the following goals in mind when developing new features and talking to libraries.
Integrate
Create a unified experience through deep integration with ALL library technologies.
Engage
Engage
Maximize user engagement with the library.
Connect
Connect
Connect every user with a personalized and accessible library homebase.
Empower
Empower
Empower library administrators to customize and expand Aspen.
Ready to get started or want more information? Contact Us so we can discuss your specific needs.